Aerosol generating device with retainer

ABSTRACT

There is provided an aerosol generating device for use with a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal surface extending between an upstream end and a downstream end. The elongate body comprises an opening at the downstream end of the elongate body, and a cavity for receiving a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity is accessible through an aperture in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body. The upstream end of the cavity is closed and the downstream end of the cavity is in fluid communication with the opening. The aerosol generating device further comprises a closing member movable relative to the elongate body between an open position in which the aperture in open, and an experience position in which the aperture is closed by a first portion of the closing member. There is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device.

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. Inparticular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generatingdevice for use with a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate. Thepresent invention also relates to an aerosol generating systemcomprising an aerosol generating device, a heat source, and anaerosol-forming substrate.

A number of alternative aerosol generating articles have been proposedin the art. One aim of such alternative aerosol generating articles isto reduce the amount of certain smoke constituents of the type producedby the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in combustiblecigarettes. In one known type of aerosol generating article, an aerosolis generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source, which may be acombustible heat source, to an aerosol-forming substrate locatedadjacent to the heat source. During aerosol generation, volatilecompounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heattransfer from the heat source and entrained in air drawn through theaerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, theycondense to form an aerosol. These are sometimes known as heated aerosolgenerating articles.

In heated aerosol generating articles which comprise a combustible heatsource and an aerosol-forming substrate, the combustible heat sourcemust be securely attached to the aerosol-forming substrate to avoid thecombustible heat source separating from the rest of the aerosolgenerating article. The combustible heat source must remain securelyattached to the aerosol-forming substrate from manufacture and duringthe transport, use, and sometimes disposal of the aerosol generatingarticle. Secure attachment of the combustible heat source to the rest ofthe aerosol generating article may be difficult since the combustibleheat source cannot be fully covered as this may inhibit combustion of acombustible heat source.

It may be desirable to provide secure attachment of a combustible heatsource to the rest of an aerosol generating article in order to preventthe heat source separating from the rest of the aerosol generatingarticle.

Heat sources of known aerosol generating articles may be at leastpartially exposed. This may lead to a risk of heat damage to propertycaused by the heat source coming into contact with other materials. Insome circumstances, there may be a risk that heat sources may ignitematerials with which they come into contact. One measure of the tendencyof a smoking article to cause ignition of an adjacent material isignition propensity. It may be desirable to provide an aerosolgenerating article with a low ignition propensity, with features thatreduce its ignition propensity relative to the aerosol generatingarticle without those features, or that have an ignition propensity thatis no higher than that of a cigarette.

Furthermore, some known heated aerosol generating articles do not offerthe consumer the opportunity to customise their experience. For example,if a consumer wishes to use a particular aerosol-forming substrate, theymust buy an entire aerosol generating article comprising that substrate.Additionally, in known aerosol generating articles, while the heatsource and the aerosol-forming substrate are consumed during use, otherelements such as cooling and spacer elements, and heat conductingmembers, are typically disposed of with the rest of the aerosolgenerating article after one use. It may be desirable to provide anaerosol generating article in which the user experience is readilycustomisable by a consumer. It may be desirable to provide an aerosolgenerating article in which certain components, in particular componentswhich are not consumed, may be re-used.

According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosolgenerating device comprising an elongate body having a longitudinalsurface extending between an upstream end and a downstream end.

The elongate body may comprise an opening at the downstream end. Thismay advantageously allow any aerosol generated in the device to leavethe device. As set out in more detail below, the downstream end openingmay form a mouthpiece. Alternatively, the downstream opening may beconfigured to receive a separate mouthpiece.

The elongate body may comprise a cavity for receiving a heat source andan aerosol-forming substrate, the cavity being accessible through anaperture. The aperture may be in the longitudinal surface of theelongate body. The upstream end of the cavity is closed and thedownstream end of the cavity is in fluid communication with themouthpiece. This allows a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrateto be received in the aerosol generating device. The device may bereused leading to less waste. Additionally, since the cavity may receiveany aerosol-forming substrate, a user is able to customise theirexperience by inserting an aerosol-forming substrate of their choiceinto the cavity. The aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrateis able to pass from the cavity to the downstream end of the devicethrough the opening.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a closing member movablerelative to the elongate body. The closing member may be movable betweenan open position, in which the aperture is open, and an experienceposition in which the aperture is closed by a first portion of theclosing member. In the experience position, the aperture is closed bythe first portion of the closing member such that a heat source and anaerosol-forming substrate received in the cavity are unable to beremoved from the cavity through the aperture. The first portion of theclosing member therefore does not need to fully close the aperture inthe experience position. Instead, the first portion of the closingmember only needs to close the cavity in the experience positon anamount sufficient to prevent a heat source and an aerosol-formingsubstrate received in the cavity from being removed from the cavitythrough the aperture. The provision of a closing member advantageouslyallows a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate to be securelyretained within the cavity. This may prevent one or more of the heatsource and the aerosol-forming substrate being separated from theaerosol generating device. The provision of the closing member may alsoprevent a heat source retained in the cavity from coming into contactwith any other surface during use. This may advantageously lead to thedevice having a low ignition propensity in use.

The open position may also be referred to as the first position.

The experience position may also be referred to as the second position.In the experience position, in use, a heat source received in the cavitymay heat an aerosol-forming substrate received in the cavity so as togenerate an aerosol which may then pass out of the opening.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided anaerosol generating device comprising an elongate body having alongitudinal surface extending between an upstream end and a downstreamend. The elongate body comprises an opening at the downstream end of theelongate body. The elongate body comprises a cavity for receiving a heatsource and an aerosol-forming substrate, the cavity is accessiblethrough an aperture. The aperture may be in the longitudinal surface ofthe elongate body. The upstream end of the cavity is closed and thedownstream end of the cavity is in fluid communication with the opening.The aerosol generating device further comprises a closing member movablerelative to the elongate body between an open position in which theaperture is open, and an experience position in which the aperture isclosed by a first portion of the closing member.

The aerosol generating device of the present invention may be usedmultiple times by inserting at least one of a new heat source andaerosol-forming substrate into the cavity. This may advantageouslyresult in less waste each time the aerosol generating device is used.Additionally, the provision of a cavity for receiving an aerosol-formingsubstrate may advantageously allow a user to customise their experienceby inserting an aerosol-forming substrate of their choice into thecavity. Additionally, receiving a heat source and an aerosol-formingsubstrate within the cavity may advantageously ensure secure retentionof the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

Furthermore, the provision of the closing member may also separate theheat source from external materials and surfaces which mayadvantageously reduce the ignition propensity of the aerosol generatingdevice in use.

The closing member may be disposed outside the cavity such that, in theexperience positon, the closing member obscures the aperture. In apreferred embodiment, the closing member may be at least partiallydisposed within the cavity. This advantageously means there are fewermoving parts on the exterior surface of the aerosol generating devicewhich may make the aerosol generating device more robust and lesssusceptible to damage. Additionally, where the closing member comprisesa heat conducting material, such as a metal, the provision of theclosing member disposed within the cavity may advantageously help reducethe temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

The cavity may be sized to receive any number of heat sources andaerosol-forming substrates. Preferably, the cavity may be sized toreceive a single heat source and a single aerosol-forming substrate.Alternatively, the cavity may be sized to receive more than oneaerosol-forming substrate. For example, the cavity may be sized toreceive two, three, four, or more aerosol-forming substrates. This mayadvantageously allow consumers to customise their experience byinserting a specific combination of different aerosol-forming substratesinto the cavity.

The downstream end opening of the elongate body may form a mouthpiece.The downstream end mouthpiece may have a reduced diameter compared tothe rest of the elongate body to facilitate this. The aerosol generatingdevice may further comprise a removable cover which is disposed over themouthpiece when the aerosol generating device is not in use.

Alternatively, the downstream opening may be configured to receive aseparate detachable mouthpiece. For example, the downstream opening maybe configured to receive a filter.

The elongate body may comprise any material. Preferably, the elongatebody comprises an thermally insulating material. This may advantageouslyprevent the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device frombecoming too hot during use. For example, the elongate body may comprisea polymeric material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene(PE), polypropylene (PP), or polycarbonate. The elongate body maycomprise ceramic material.

The closing member may comprise any material. Preferably, the closingmember comprises a heat resistant material. This may advantageouslyprevent damage to the closing member which, in use, may be disposedclose to a heat source. Preferably, the closing member comprises a heatconducive material. This may advantageously ensure sufficient heattransfer from a heat source to an aerosol-forming substrate disposed inthe cavity. This may advantageously improve the generation of aerosol bythe aerosol-forming substrate. The closing member may comprise ametallic material. The closing member may comprise aluminium.

In use, the closing member is moved, relative to the elongate body, tothe open position such that the cavity is accessible through theaperture in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body. A heat sourceand an aerosol-forming substrate are inserted into the cavity. The heatsource and aerosol-forming substrate are in axial alignment with theheat source being disposed upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate.The closing member is then moved into the experience position in whichthe aperture is closed by the first portion of the closing member. Theheat source is then ignited, where the heat source is a combustible heatsource. This may be done by any suitable means, examples of which arediscussed below. Heat from the combustible heat source is transferred tothe aerosol-forming substrate in which an aerosol is formed. The aerosolthen passes from the cavity to the opening at the downstream end of theelongate body where it can exit the aerosol generating device. Once theaerosol-forming substrate is consumed, and the combustible heat sourceis extinguished, the closing member is moved from the experienceposition to the open position such that the aperture is open. Theconsumed heat source and aerosol-forming substrate may then be removedfrom the cavity through the aperture.

The aerosol generating device may be suitable for use with any heatsource. The cavity may be suitable for receiving any heat source. Theheat source may be a single use heat source. The heat source may be amultiple use heat source. The heat source may be a combustible,chemical, electrical or any other heat source. Preferably, the cavity issuitable for receiving a combustible heat source.

At least one of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate may beconfigured to be used more than once. For example, the heat source maybe configured to provide heat on multiple different occasions, possiblyto heat successive different aerosol-forming substrates. The heat sourcemay be configured to be used over the lifetime of the aerosol generatingdevice. Where this is the case, the heat source may be permanentlyretained within the cavity. Alternatively, or in addition, theaerosol-forming substrate may be configured to generate an aerosol onmultiple different occasions, possibly using heat from multiplesuccessive heat sources. As used herein with reference to the invention,the terms “longitudinal” and “axial” are used to describe the directionbetween the opposed upstream and downstream ends of the aerosolgenerating device, or of a component of the aerosol generating device.The “longitudinal surface” is therefore the outer surface of a componentof the aerosol generating device which extends between opposed upstreamand downstream ends of the component of the aerosol generating device.The “longitudinal axis” of the aerosol generating device is the axisparallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the terms “upstream” and“front”, and “downstream” and “rear”, are used to describe the relativepositions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating device in relation to the direction in which airflows throughthe aerosol generating device during use thereof. Aerosol generatingdevices according to the invention comprise a proximal end throughwhich, in use, an aerosol exits the device for delivery to a user. Theproximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to asthe mouth end or the downstream end. In use, a user draws on the mouthend of the aerosol generating device. The mouth end is downstream of thedistal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating device may also bereferred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components,of the aerosol generating device may be described as being upstream ordownstream of one another based on their relative positions between theproximal end of the aerosol generating device and the distal end of theaerosol generating device. The front of a component, or portion of acomponent, of the aerosol generating device is the portion at the endclosest to the upstream end of the aerosol generating device. The rearof a component, or portion of a component, of the aerosol generatingdevice is the portion at the end closest to the downstream end of theaerosol generating device.

The closing member may be movable in any direction relative to theelongate body. The closing member may slide along the longitudinal axisof the aerosol generating device between the open position and theexperience position. The closing member may be joined to the elongatebody by a hinged connection such that, in the open position, the closingmember pivots away from the longitudinal surface of the elongate body toopen the aperture.

In a preferred embodiment, the closing member may be rotatable relativeto the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating device between the open position and the experience position.

The provision that the closing member is rotatable about thelongitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device advantageously allowsthe closing member to move between the open position and the experienceposition without altering the overall length or external shape of theaerosol generating device.

Where the closing member is movable only between an open position and anexperience position, the closing member may be rotated by about 180degrees between the open position and the experience position.

The closing member may be substantially cylindrical with the firstportion of the closing member forming a portion of the cylindricalsurface of the cylinder. A portion of the cylinder may be open, the openportion of the cylinder may align with the aperture to facilitate theopen position.

The first portion of the closing member may be provided with at leastone air inlet such that, in the experience position air is able to passinto the cavity through the at least one air inlet.

The provision of at least one air inlet in the first portion of theclosing member allows air to enter the cavity. This may advantageouslyfacilitate ignition and sustained combustion of a heat source disposedwithin the cavity, where the heat source is a combustible heat source.Furthermore, the air passing into the cavity may also advantageouslyfacilitate the generation and transfer of aerosol from theaerosol-forming substrate to the opening at the downstream end of theelongate body.

The at least one air inlet may comprise at least one upstream air inlet,disposed at the upstream end of the first portion of the closing member,and at least one downstream air inlet disposed at the downstream end ofthe first portion of the closing member.

Since both the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate may requirea supply of air, the provision of at least one upstream air inlet, andat least one downstream air inlet may advantageously ensure thatsufficient air is able to access both a heat source and anaerosol-forming substrate.

The at least one upstream air inlet may be located such that it isadjacent the portion of the cavity configured to receive a heat source.The at least one downstream air inlet may be located such that it isadjacent the portion of the cavity configured to receive anaerosol-forming substrate.

The at least one upstream air inlet may comprise any number ofindividual air inlets. The at least one downstream air inlet maycomprise any number of individual air inlets. The individual air inletsmay be any size. The number and size of the at least one upstream inletand the at least one downstream air inlet may be chosen to provide anappropriate total air inlet area. The total air inlet area of the atleast one upstream air inlet may be selected to allow sufficient air toreach a heat source to facilitate ignition and sustained combustion ofthe heat source, where the heat source is a combustible heat source. Thetotal air inlet area of the at least one air inlet may be at least about20 percent of the total area of the part of the closing member whichoverlays a heat source. For example, the total air inlet area of the atleast one air inlet may be at least about 40 percent, at least about 50percent, at least about 60 percent, at least about 70 percent, or atleast about 80 percent of the total area of the part of the closingmember which overlays a heat source. The total air inlet area of the atleast one downstream air inlet may be selected to allow sufficient airto reach an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol whilststill providing an acceptable resistance to draw. The total air inletarea of the at least one upstream air inlet may be greater than thetotal air inlet area of the at least one downstream air inlet. This maybe because the amount of air required to facilitate ignition andsustained combustion of a combustible heat source may be greater thanthe amount of air required to generate an aerosol in an aerosol-formingsubstrate and provide an acceptable resistance to draw.

For example, the at least one upstream air inlet may comprise a seriesof elongate slits while the at least one downstream air inlet maycomprise a series of shorter slits or substantially circularperforations.

Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one upstream air inlet maycomprise several rows of perforations while the at least one downstreamair inlet may comprise fewer rows of perforations.

The closing member may be further movable to an extinguishing positionin which the aperture is closed by a second portion of the closingmember, the second portion of the closing member being substantially airimpermeable.

The extinguishing position may also be referred to as the thirdposition.

The provision of a second portion of the closing member beingsubstantially air impermeable may prevent air passing into the cavitythrough the aperture. This in turn may prevent air being able to accessa heat source received in the cavity and may therefore advantageouslyprovide a means to extinguish a heat source after use, where the heatsource is a combustible heat source. This may make subsequently removingand disposing of the heat source safer and more convenient.

The second portion of the closing member does not need to be fully airimpermeable. The second portion of the closing member only needs to besufficiently air impermeable to restrict the supply of air to acombustible heat source to extinguish the combustible heat source.Accordingly, the skilled person would understand that “substantially airimpermeable” means that the second portion of the closing member must beair impermeable enough to extinguish a combustible heat source retainedin the cavity.

In use, once the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, the closingmember may be moved further from the experience position to theextinguishing position in which the second portion of the closing membercloses the aperture. This may extinguish the combustible heat source bypreventing or inhibiting the supply of air to the combustible heatsource. Once the combustible heat source has been extinguished, theclosing member may be moved from the extinguishing position to the openposition allowing the extinguished combustible heat source and theconsumed aerosol-forming substrate to be removed from the cavity.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to prevent the closingmember moving from the experience position to the open position withoutpassing through the extinguishing position. This may advantageously helpto ensure that a combustible heat source received in the cavity isextinguished before it is removed from the cavity.

Where the closing member is rotatable relative to the elongate body,there may be provided a mechanism which only allows the closing memberto rotate in one direction relative to the elongate body. For example,the aerosol generating device may comprise a ratchet mechanism whichonly allows the closing member to rotate in one direction relative tothe elongate body. This may advantageously ensure that the closingmember passes through the extinguishing position between the experienceand open positions.

Alternatively, the closing member may be rotatable in both directionsrelative to the elongate body.

In embodiments where the first portion of the closing member is providedwith at least one air inlet, the second portion of the closing member ispreferably less permeable to air than the first portion of the closingmember.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the closing member isentirely air impermeable.

Where the closing member is be rotatable relative to the elongate bodyabout the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between theopen position and the experience position, the closing member may berotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis ofthe aerosol generating device between at least one of the open positionand the experience position, and the extinguishing position. Preferably,the closing member may be rotatable relative to the elongate body aboutthe longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between all threeof the open position, the experience position, and the extinguishingposition. Where this is the case, the closing member may be rotated byabout 120 degrees between any two of the open position, the experienceposition, and the extinguishing position.

The closing member be a substantially cylindrical member with the firstportion of the closing member forming a portion of the cylindricalsurface of the cylinder. A portion of the cylinder may be open, the openportion of the cylinder may align with the aperture in the openposition. The second portion of the closing member may form a portion ofthe cylindrical surface of the cylinder. The first portion of theclosing member, the second portion of the closing member, and the openportion of the closing member may together define the cylindricalsurface of the cylinder and each may account for approximately 120degrees of the cylindrical surface of the cylinder.

The aerosol generating device may comprise at least one lockingmechanism to secure the closing member in at least one of the openposition, the experience portion, and the extinguishing position.Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises at least one lockingmechanism to secure the closing member in each of the open position, theexperience portion, and the extinguishing position.

The provision of at least one locking mechanism makes it easier for auser to reliably move the closing member between the differentpositions. The at least one locking member may comprise a ball catch.

The closing member may comprise a closing member handle allowing a userto readily move the closing member relative to the elongate body. Theclosing member handle may extend upstream of the upstream end of theelongate body. This may allow a user to readily access the closingmember handle.

Where the closing member is rotatable relative to the elongate bodyabout the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between theopen position and the experience position, the closing member handle mayalso be rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinalaxis of the aerosol generating device between the open position and theexperience position.

The closing member handle may comprise a cylinder having approximatelythe same diameter as the elongate body.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise an ignition means forigniting a combustible heat source.

The provision of an ignition means may advantageously provide aconvenient way for a user to ignite a heat source disposed inside thecavity, where the heat source is a combustible heat source.

The ignition means may be any ignition means. For example, the ignitionmeans may be an electrical ignition means or a chemical ignition means.The ignition means may be operable by a user such that a user may choosewhen to ignite a combustible heat source received within the cavity.

The ignition means may be located anywhere in the aerosol generatingdevice. Preferably, at least a portion of the ignition means may belocated within the cavity such that it may come into contact or closeproximity of a combustible heat source disposed within the cavity.Preferably, the portion of the ignition means located within the cavityis located at the upstream end of the cavity. This advantageously allowsa heat source received in the cavity to be readily ignited whilereducing the risk that an aerosol-forming substrate received in thecavity is ignited or otherwise damaged by the ignition means.

The ignition means may comprise a high friction surface rotatablerelative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating device.

This may advantageously provide a relatively simple, reusable ignitionmeans which does not require electricity or fuel. It is also relativelysafe since the high friction surface cannot generate a flame in theabsence of a surface for it to rub against.

The high friction surface of the ignition means may be disposed insidethe cavity such that it may come into direct contact with a heat sourcereceived in the cavity.

Where the ignition means comprises a high friction surface, thecombustible heat source may comprise an ignitable composition on atleast a portion of the surface of the combustible heat source. Theignitable composition may be capable of being ignited by rubbing orstriking the combustible heat source against a high friction surface.The ignitable composition may comprise at least one of phosphorus orphosphorus sesquisulfide (P₄S₃), one or more oxidizing agents, such aspotassium chlorate, and optionally sulfur. The ignitable composition mayfurther comprise one or more abrasive materials, such as powdered glassor silica, one or more fillers, one or more binders, such as starch, oneor more neutralizers, such as zinc oxide, one or more colorants, or anycombination thereof.

In other embodiments, the ignitable composition may comprise sulfur, oneor more oxidizing agents, such as potassium chlorate, and optionallyantimony (III) sulfide (Sb2S3).

The high friction surface of the ignition means may comprise redphosphorus.

Alternatively, or in addition, the high friction surface of the ignitionmeans may comprise a scraping surface.

The ignition means may comprise an ignition means handle. The ignitionmeans handle may advantageously provide a convenient way for a user toactivate the ignition means. The ignition means handle may extendupstream of the upstream end of the elongate body. This may allow a userto readily access the ignition means handle. Where the aerosolgenerating device comprises a closing member handle, the ignition meanshandle may also extend upstream of the upstream end of the closingmember handle.

The ignition means handle may be connected to the high friction surfaceof the ignition means through a central channel in the closing memberhandle.

The ignition means handle may form the upstream end of the aerosolgenerating device.

The ignition means handle may comprise a cylinder having approximatelythe same diameter as the elongate body.

The ignition means may be rotatable relative to the elongate body aboutthe longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device by rotating theignition means handle relative to the elongate body. The ignition meansmay be rotatable independently of both the elongate body and the closingmember.

The ignition means may be movable relative to the elongate body alongthe longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

This may allow the ignition means to be moved away from the combustibleheat source once the heat source is ignited where the heat source is acombustible heat source. This may advantageously prevent the ignitionmeans inhibiting the sustained combustion of the combustible heat sourceonce the combustible heat source is ignited. This may alsoadvantageously ensure that the ignition means, in particular the highfriction surface of the ignition means, is able to come into contactwith a combustible heat source received in the cavity despite possiblevariations in the dimensions of combustible heat sources.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a spring configuredto urge the ignition means in the upstream direction and away from acombustible heat source retained in the cavity.

In use, once a combustible heat source has been inserted into the cavityand the closing member has been moved to the experience positon, theignition means handle is pushed against the spring to move the ignitionmeans into contact with the combustible heat source. The ignition meanshandle is then rotated relative to the elongate body causing the highfriction surface to rotate against the upstream end of the combustibleheat source. This causes the combustible heat source to ignite. Once thecombustible heat source is ignited, the ignition means handle isreleased and the ignition means is urged, by the spring, away from thecombustible heat source.

The cavity may comprise an upstream section for receiving a heat sourceand a downstream section for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate,wherein the upstream section and the downstream section are divided by abarrier.

The provision of a barrier dividing the cavity into an upstream sectionand a downstream section may advantageously substantially prevent orinhibit combustion and decomposition products, chemical reactants orby-products of chemical reactions, and other materials formed during useof a heat source received in the upstream section of the cavity fromentering air drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate and beingdelivered to a user. This may be particularly advantageous where theheat source is a combustible heat source and comprises one or moreadditives to aid ignition or combustion of the combustible heat source.

Furthermore, the provision of a barrier may advantageously substantiallyprevent combustion or heat damage to the aerosol-forming substrate whichmay occur if the heat source is in direct contact with the combustibleheat source.

Furthermore, the provision of a barrier may advantageously substantiallyprevent or inhibit activation or combustion or other increased heatgeneration of the heat source during puffing by a user. This isparticularly relevant for combustible heat sources. This substantiallyprevents or inhibits spikes in the temperature of the aerosol-formingsubstrate during puffing by a user. By preventing or inhibitingactivation of combustion of the combustible heat source, and sopreventing or inhibiting excess temperature increases in theaerosol-forming substrate, combustion or pyrolysis of theaerosol-forming substrate under intense puffing regimes may beadvantageously avoided. In addition, the impact of a user's puffingregime on the composition of the mainstream aerosol may beadvantageously minimised or reduced.

Furthermore, the provision of a barrier may prevent a heat source fromcoming into contact with an aerosol-forming substrate during theignition of the heat source, where the heat source is a combustible heatsource, using the ignition means described above. As the ignition meanshandle is pushed and the ignition means into contact with the heatsource, the provision of the barrier prevents the heat source from beingpushed downstream and into contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.This advantageously allows sufficient friction between the upstream endof the heat source and the high friction surface of the ignition meansto allow the combustible heat source to ignite. This may alsoadvantageously prevent the heat source being pushed into theaerosol-forming substrate thereby preventing damage to theaerosol-forming substrate.

The barrier may be formed from any material. Preferably, the barriercomprises a gas impermeable material. As set out above, this mayadvantageously prevent gas being transferred from the combustible heatsource to the aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, the barrier comprises a heat conductive material. The heatconductive material may be for conducting heat from a heat sourcedisposed in the upstream section of the cavity to an aerosol-formingsubstrate in the downstream section of the cavity. The provision of abarrier comprising a heat conductive material may advantageously ensuresufficient heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-formingsubstrate. This may advantageously improve the generation of aerosol bythe aerosol-forming substrate.

The barrier may comprise aluminium. The barrier may comprise analuminium disc. The aluminium disc may have any thickness. For example,the aluminium disc may have a thickness of between about 10 micrometresand about 30 micrometres.

The barrier may be fixed to the closing member.

The provision of the barrier being fixed to the closing member mayadvantageously secure the barrier in place ensuring it is able to beused repeatedly without becoming damaged. Furthermore, the provision ofthe barrier being fixed to the closing member means that the barriermoves with the closing member as the closing member is moved between theopen position, the experience position, and the extinguishing position.This may advantageously mean that the barrier does not rub against theheat source or the aerosol-forming substrate as the closing member ismoved between the different positions.

The closing member may further comprise at least one closing membersupport which extends into the cavity for supporting a heat source.

The provision of at least one closing member support may advantageouslysecure a heat source in place when a heat source is received within thecavity. This may also hold the heat source away from the interiorsurface of the cavity. This may advantageously allow air to access allsides of the heat source facilitating sustained combustion of thecombustible heat source, where the heat source is a combustible heatsource.

The at least one closing member support may be directly or indirectlyattached to the closing member. Where the aerosol generating devicecomprises a barrier fixed to the closing member, the at least oneclosing member support may be attached to the barrier instead of theclosing member.

Preferably, the at least one closing member support may be located suchthat it does not obstruct the aperture in the longitudinal surface ofthe elongate body when the closing member is in the open position.Accordingly, the at least one closing member support may extend from atleast one of the first portion of the closing member and the secondportion of the closing member.

The at least one closing member support may comprise a first closingmember support extending from the first portion of the closing member,and a second closing member support extending from the second portion ofthe closing member. The provision of a first and a second closing membersupport may advantageously secure a heat source more robustly whilestill allowing the heat source to be removed through the aperture whenthe closing member is in the open position.

The at least one closing member support may comprise at least one leafspring extending into the cavity from at least one of the first portionand the second portion of the closing member.

The elongate body may comprise at least one elongate body support forsupporting a heat source, the elongate body support being movablebetween an extended position and a retracted position, the at least oneelongate body support extending further into the cavity in the extendedposition that in the retracted position.

The provision of an elongate body support may advantageously secure aheat source in place when the heat source is received within the cavity.This may also hold the heat source away from the interior surface of thecavity. This may advantageously allow air to access all sides of theheat source facilitating sustained combustion of the heat source, wherethe heat source is a combustible heat source.

Where the aerosol generating device also includes at least one closingmember support, the elongate body support may be located on the oppositeside of the cavity to the at least one closing member support when theclosing member is in at least one of the experience position and theextinguishing position. Preferably, the elongate body support may belocated on the opposite side of the cavity to the at least one closingmember support when the closing member is in each of the experienceposition and the extinguishing position. This advantageously allows aheat source received in the cavity to be securely held between the atleast one closing member support and the at least one elongate bodysupport in both the experience position and the extinguishing position.

The at least one elongate element support may be disposed onsubstantially the opposite side of the cavity to the aperture. This mayadvantageously allow a heat source received in the cavity to be readilyremoved from the cavity.

In the extended position, the elongate body support may be in contactwith a heat source disposed in the cavity. In the retracted position,the elongate support member may not be in contact with a heat sourcedisposed in the cavity. This may advantageously allow a heat source tobe securely be retained in the cavity while allowing it to be removedwhen needed.

The at least one elongate body support element may comprise a leafspring extending from the inner surface of the cavity substantiallyopposite to the aperture.

Movement of the closing member from the experience position to the openposition may actuate movement of the elongate body support element fromthe extended position to the retracted position, and movement of theclosing member from the open position to the experience position mayactuate movement of the elongate body support element from the retractedpositon to the extended position.

This may advantageously provide a convenient way of moving the at leastone elongate body support element from the extended position to theretracted position without the need for additional actuation means.

The elongate body support may therefore be configured to be in theextended position when the aerosol generating device is in theexperience position, and in the retracted position when the aerosolgenerating device is in the open position. Alternatively, or inaddition, the elongate body support may be configured to be in theextended position when the closing member is in the extinguishingposition.

As the closing member is moved from the extinguishing or experienceposition to the open positon, the first or second portion of the closingmember may come into contact with the at least one elongate body supportand may push it from the extended position into the retracted position.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a compression elementdisposed at the downstream end of the cavity for supporting anaerosol-forming substrate, the compression element being movable alongthe longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between anextended position and a retracted position, the compression elementextending further into the cavity in the extended position that in theretracted position.

The provision of a compression element at the downstream end of thecavity may advantageously securely hold an aerosol-forming substratedisposed in the cavity in place during use. Where the aerosol generatingdevice comprises a barrier in the cavity, an aerosol-forming substratemay be held between the compression element and the barrier when thecompression element is in the extended position. This may advantageouslyimprove efficient heat transfer from the heat source to theaerosol-forming substrate, particularly where the barrier comprises aheat conductive material.

The subsequent movement of the compression element to the retractedposition may advantageously facilitate easy insertion and removal of anaerosol-forming substrate from the cavity.

The compression element may comprise a lumen through which aerosolgenerated by the aerosol-forming substrate may be able to pass from thecavity to the opening at the downstream end of the elongate body.

Movement of the closing member from the experience position to the openposition may actuate movement of the compression element from theextended position to the retracted position and movement of the closingmember from the open position to the experience position may actuatemovement of the compression element from the retracted positon to theextended position.

This may advantageously provide a convenient way of moving thecompression element from the extended position to the retracted positionwithout the need for additional actuation means.

The compression element may be configured to be in the extended positionwhen the aerosol generating device is in the experience position, and inthe retracted position when the aerosol generating device is in the openposition. Alternatively, or in addition, the compression element may beconfigured to be in the extended position when the closing member is inthe extinguishing position.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a spring configured to urgethe compression element into the extended position. When the closingmember is in the experience or extinguishing positions, the spring mayurge the compression element into the extended positon. When the closingmember is moved into the open position, a portion of the closing membermay push against the spring to move the compression element from theextended position to the retracted position.

According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosolgenerating system comprising an aerosol generating device according tothe invention, a heat source disposed in the cavity, and anaerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity.

The heat source may be any heat source. The heat source may be acombustible heat source.

The combustible heat source is preferably a solid heat source, and maycomprise any suitable combustible fuel including, but not limited to,carbon and carbon-based materials containing aluminium, magnesium, oneor more carbides, one or more nitrides and combinations thereof. Solidcombustible heat sources for heated smoking articles and methods forproducing such heat sources are known in the art and described in, forexample, US-A-5,040,552 and US-A-5,595,577. Typically, known solidcombustible heat sources for heated smoking articles are carbon-based,that is they comprise carbon as a primary combustible material. Thecombustible heat source may be a combustible carbonaceous heat source.The combustible heat source may comprise a wrap for hygienic reasons.The wrap may comprise paper.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term“aerosol-forming substrate” is used to describe a substrate capable ofreleasing upon heating volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol.The aerosols generated from aerosol-forming substrates of aerosolgenerating systems according to the invention may be visible orinvisible and may include vapours (for example, fine particles ofsubstances, which are in a gaseous state, that are ordinarily liquid orsolid at room temperature) as well as gases and liquid droplets ofcondensed vapours.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate.Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid andliquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise atobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavourcompounds, which are released from the substrate upon heating.Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobaccomaterial. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise one or moreaerosol formers. Examples of suitable aerosol formers include, but arenot limited to, glycerine and propylene glycol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a rod comprising atobacco-containing material.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate,the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one ormore of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti strands, strips orsheets containing one or more of: herb leaf, botanicals, tobacco leaf,fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco,extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-formingsubstrate may be in loose form, or may be provided in a suitablecontainer or cartridge. For example, the aerosol-forming material of thesolid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within a paper or otherwrapper and have the form of a plug. Where an aerosol-forming substrateis in the form of a plug, the entire plug including any wrapper isconsidered to be the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include an essential oil. Essentialoils may provide flavourant that may impart a flavour to the taste ofthe aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitableessential oils include, but are not limited to, eugenol, peppermint oiland spearmint oil. A preferred essential oil is eugenol.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additionaltobacco or nontobacco volatile flavour compounds, to be released uponheating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solidaerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules that, for example,include the additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compoundsand such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-formingsubstrate.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on orembedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form ofpowder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti strands, strips or sheets.The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface ofthe carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or slurry.The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entiresurface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a patternin order to provide a non-uniform flavour delivery during use.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of a plug or segmentcomprising a material capable of emitting volatile compounds in responseto heating circumscribed by a paper or other wrapper. Where anaerosol-forming substrate is in the form of such a plug or segment, theentire plug or segment including any wrapper is considered to be theaerosol-forming substrate.

The heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate may be connected by awrapper to form a single consumable element. This may advantageouslymake removing and inserting the heat source and the aerosol-formingsubstrate in the cavity more convenient.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of thevarious features described and defined in any aspects of the inventioncan be implemented, supplied, or used independently.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generatingdevice according to the invention with the closing member in the openpositon.

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an aerosol generatingdevice according to the invention with the closing member in the openpositon.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to theinvention with the closing member in the open positon.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generatingdevice according to the invention with the closing member in theexperience positon.

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an aerosol generatingdevice according to the invention with the closing member in theexperience positon.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to theinvention with the closing member in the experience positon.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generatingdevice according to the invention with the closing member in theextinguishing positon.

FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an aerosol generatingdevice according to the invention with the closing member in theextinguishing positon.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to theinvention with the closing member in the extinguishing positon.

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to thesame elements.

The aerosol generating device 100 comprises an elongate body 101. Theelongate body 101 has a generally elongate shape and includes alongitudinal surface extending between an upstream end and a downstreamend. The elongate body 101 includes an opening 103 at the downstream endof the elongate body 101. The elongate body 101 also includes a cavity102 for receiving a heat source 105 and an aerosol-forming substrate106. The cavity 102 is accessible through an aperture 104. The aperture104 is in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body 101. Theupstream end of the cavity 102 is closed and the downstream end of thecavity 102 is in fluid communication with the downstream opening 103.The elongate body 101 further comprises a closing member 120 movablerelative to the elongate body 101 between an open position (or firstposition), in which the aperture 104 is open, and an experience position(or second position), in which the aperture 104 is closed by a firstportion 121 of the closing member 120.

The opening 103 at the downstream end of the elongate body 101 acts as amouthpiece. To facilitate this, the downstream end of the elongate body101 has a reduced diameter compared to the upstream end of the elongatebody. The opening 103 is in fluid communication with the downstream endof the cavity 102 by means of an airflow channel provided between theopening 103 and the downstream end of the cavity 102. The aerosolgenerating device 100 comprises a removable mouthpiece cover (not shown)to protect the mouthpiece and the opening 103 when the aerosolgenerating device 100 is not in use.

The elongate body 101 is formed from a thermally insulating polymericmaterial.

The closing member 120 comprises a downstream section which is receivedin the cavity 102 of the elongate body 101, and an upstream sectionwhich extends upstream of the upstream end of the elongate body 101.

The closing member 120 is substantially cylindrical and is dividedradially into three approximately equal sized portions, each accountingfor approximately 120 degrees of the curved surface of the substantiallycylindrical closing member 120. The closing member 120 is rotatablerelative to the elongate body 101 such that each of the threeapproximately equal sized portions may be aligned with the aperture 104.

The first portion 121 of the closing member 120 comprises a curvedsurface and comprises a plurality of air inlets such that air is able topass into the cavity. The plurality of air inlets comprises a pluralityof elongate slits through the first portion 121 of the closing member.

The plurality of air inlets comprises a plurality of upstream air inlets111 disposed at the upstream end of the first portion 121 of the closingmember 120, and a plurality of downstream air inlets 112 disposed at thedownstream end of the first portion of the closing member. The pluralityof upstream air inlets 111 are disposed adjacent the portion of thecavity configured to receive a heat source 105. The plurality ofdownstream air inlets 112 are disposed adjacent the portion of thecavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate 106. As shownin FIG. 6, the size of the plurality of upstream air inlets 111 isgreater than the size of the plurality of downstream air inlets 112. Theresult of this is that more air is able to pass into the portion of thecavity configured to receive a heat source 105 than is able to pass intothe portion of the cavity configured to receive an aerosol-formingsubstrate 106. The closing member 120 is in the experience position,shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 when the first portion 121 of the closingmember 120 is aligned with the aperture 104.

A second portion 122 of the closing member 120 comprises a curvedsurface but does not feature any air inlets. The second portion 122 ofthe closing member 120 is substantially air impermeable. The closingmember is in an extinguishing position (or third position), shown inFIGS. 7, 8, and 9 when the second portion 122 of the closing member 120is aligned with the aperture 104.

A third portion of the closing member is open such that when the thirdportion of the closing member is aligned with the aperture 104, the heatsource 105 and the aerosol-forming substrate 106 may be inserted andremoved from the cavity 102. The closing member is in an open position,shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 when the third portion 122 of the closingmember 120 is aligned with the aperture 104.

The section of the closing member 120 which extends upstream of theupstream end of the elongate body 101 may comprise a closing memberhandle 107 which may be used to rotate the closing member 120 relativeto the elongate body 101.

The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises an ignition means130. The ignition means 130 extends into the upstream end of the cavity102 and comprises a scraping surface 131 at its downstream end. Theignition means 130 extends upstream of the upstream end of the closingmember 120 and includes an ignition means handle 132 at its upstreamend. The ignition means is rotatable relative to the closing member 120about the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 101. The ignition means130 is also movable relative to the elongate body along the longitudinalaxis of the elongate body 101. A compression spring 133 is provided tourge the ignition means 130 in the upstream direction. The ignitionmeans 130 extends through the closing member handle 107 into the cavity102.

The cavity 102 is divided into an upstream section 108 for receiving aheat source 105, and a downstream section 109 of the cavity forreceiving an aerosol-forming substrate 106. The upstream section 108 andthe downstream section 109 are divided by a barrier 110. The barrier 110is in the form of an aluminium disk which is fixed to the closing member120.

The closing member 120 further comprises a closing member support 113which extends into the cavity 102. The closing member support 113comprises two leaf springs attached to the inner surface of the closingelement 120. The closing member support 113 is disposed substantiallyopposite the third portion of the closing member.

The elongate body 101 further comprises an elongate body support 114.The elongate body support 114 is disposed substantially opposite to theaperture 104, is attached to the inner surface of the elongate body 101,and extends into the cavity 102. The elongate body support 114 ismoveable between an extended positon and a retracted positon. Theelongate body support 114 extends further into the cavity 102 in theextended positon than in the retracted position. The orientation of theclosing member 120 relative to the elongate body 101 determines whetherthe elongate body support 114 is in the extended or retracted position.When the closing member 120 is in the experience position and theextinguishing position, the elongate body support 114 is in the extendedposition since it is able to pass through the third section of theclosing member 120. When the closing member 120 is in the open position,the elongate body support 114 is in the retracted positon since it isobstructed by the second portion 122 of the closing member 120. Theelongate body support 114 comprises a leaf spring.

The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises a compressionelement 115 disposed at the downstream end of the cavity 102. Thecompression element is movable along the longitudinal axis of theaerosol generating device 100 between an extended position and aretracted position, the compression element extending further into thecavity 102 in the extended position that in the retracted position.

The orientation of the closing member 120 relative to the elongate body101 determines whether the compression element 115 is in the extended orretracted position. When the closing member 120 is in the experienceposition and the extinguishing position, the compression element 115 isin the extended position. When the closing member 120 is in the openposition, compression element 115 is in the retracted positon. A spring(not shown) urges the compression element 115 into the extended positonwhen the closing member 120 is in the experience position and theextinguishing position.

In use, the closing member 120 is placed in the open position. A heatsource 105 is inserted into the upstream section 108 of the cavity 102,and an aerosol-forming substrate 106 is interested into the downstreamsection 109 of the cavity 102.

The heat source is a combustible carbonaceous heat source 105 andincludes an ignitable composition on a first end surface. When the heatsource is interested into the cavity, the first end surface isorientated upstream.

In the open positon, the compression element 115 is in the retractedposition. The closing member 120 is then rotated by about 120 degreesusing the closing member handle 107 to move the closing member 120 intothe experience position. Once in the experience position, the heatsource 105 is held between the closing member support 113 and theelongate body support 114.

In the experience positon, the compression element 115 is in theextended position and holds the aerosol-forming substrate against thebarrier 110.

The ignition means 130 is then pushed in a downstream direction usingthe ignition means handle 132 until the scraping surface 131 is incontact with the upstream end of the heat source 105. The ignition means130 is then rotated using the ignition means handle. This ignites thecombustible heat source 105.

Air passes through the upstream air inlets 111 to provide sufficient airto ensure sustained combustion of the combustible heat source. Heat fromthe combustible heat source 105 is conducted by the aluminium barrier110 to the aerosol-forming substrate 106 which releases an aerosol. Theaerosol is entrained in an air stream which passes into the downstreamsection 109 of the cavity 102 through the downstream openings 103. Theaerosol is then drawn through the airflow channel to the opening 103 andout of the aerosol generating device 100.

Once the experience is over, the closing member 120 is then rotated a byfurther 120 degrees from the experience position to the extinguishingposition. The second portion of the closing member 122 prevents air fromentering the cavity 102, extinguishing the heat source 105. In theextinguishing position, the heat source 105 is held between the closingmember support 113 and the elongate body support 114. In theextinguishing positon, the compression element 115 is in the extendedposition and holds the aerosol-forming substrate against the barrier110.

Once the combustible heat source 105 is extinguished, the closing member120 is rotated by a further 120 degrees from the extinguishing positonto the open position with the third portion of the closing member 120aligned with the aperture 104. The used combustible heat source 105 andaerosol-forming substrate 106 are then removed from the cavity 102.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. An aerosol generating device comprising, anelongate body having a longitudinal surface extending between anupstream end and a downstream end and comprising; an opening at thedownstream end of the elongate body, and a cavity for receiving a heatsource and an aerosol-forming substrate, the cavity being accessiblethrough an aperture wherein the upstream end of the cavity is closed andthe downstream end of the cavity is in fluid communication with theopening, and a closing member movable relative to the elongate bodybetween an open position in which the aperture in open, and anexperience position in which the aperture is closed by a first portionof the closing member, wherein the aperture is located in thelongitudinal surface of the elongate body.
 17. An aerosol generatingdevice according to claim 16, wherein the closing member is rotatablerelative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating device between the open position and the experience position.18. An aerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein thefirst portion of the closing member is provided with at least one airinlet such that, in the experience position air is able to pass into thecavity through the at least one air inlet.
 19. An aerosol generatingdevice according to claim 18, wherein the at least one air inletcomprises at least one upstream air inlet, disposed at the upstream endof the first portion of the closing member, and at least one downstreamair inlet disposed at the downstream end of the first portion of theclosing member.
 20. An aerosol generating device according to claim 16,wherein the closing member is further movable to an extinguishingposition in which the aperture is closed by a second portion of theclosing member, the second portion of the closing member beingsubstantially air impermeable.
 21. An aerosol generating deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein the cavity comprises an upstream sectionfor receiving a heat source and a downstream section for receiving anaerosol-forming substrate, wherein the upstream section and thedownstream section are divided by a barrier.
 22. An aerosol generatingdevice according to claim 21, wherein the barrier is fixed to theclosing member.
 23. An aerosol generating device according to claim 21,wherein the barrier comprises a heat conductive material for conductingheat from a heat source disposed in the upstream section of the cavityto an aerosol-forming substrate in the downstream section of the cavity.24. An aerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein theclosing member further comprises at least one closing member supportwhich extends into the cavity for supporting a heat source.
 25. Anaerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein the elongatebody comprises at least one elongate body support for supporting a heatsource, the elongate body support being movable between an extendedposition and a retracted position, the at least one elongate bodysupport extending further into the cavity in the extended position thatin the retracted position.
 26. An aerosol generating device according toclaim 25, wherein movement of the closing member from the experienceposition to the open position actuates movement of the elongate bodysupport element from the extended position to the retracted position,and movement of the closing member from the open position to theexperience position actuates movement of the elongate body supportelement from the retracted positon to the extended position.
 27. Anaerosol generating device according to claim 16, further comprising acompression element disposed at the downstream end of the cavity forsupporting an aerosol-forming substrate, the compression element beingmovable along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating devicebetween an extended position and a retracted position, the compressionelement extending further into the cavity in the extended position thatin the retracted position.
 28. An aerosol generating device according toclaim 27 wherein movement of the closing member from the experienceposition to the open position actuates movement of the compressionelement from the extended position to the retracted position andmovement of the closing member from the open position to the experienceposition actuates movement of the compression element from the retractedpositon to the extended position.
 29. An aerosol generating systemcomprising a device according to claim 16, a heat source disposed in thecavity, and an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity.